THIS DIRTY, LITTLE RIVER?
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.” 2 Kings 5:12, ESV
Theme: Our self-sufficiency can cause us to belittle or disregard the crucial steps God uses in our restoration.
MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY
There was a Life Group where the host home’s Wi-Fi was “John’sWay” (the name has been changed, of course). The family explained—while the man of the household listened and grinned—that the family saying was “John’s way or the highway.” Now this guy was a great fellow, so I thought of it as a joke. In fact, I think the phrase was mostly a reminder to his teenage sons who REALLY was in charge there.
Bet you laughed. I did when I heard it, because I love that motto. I love that attitude. Plus, I often think: “You are not the boss of me” and I love to hear, “You were right.” These are some of my favorite words. I do not say this is right, holy, meek, or Christlike. I know it to be sinful, the basic human condition to assume we know it all and to refuse teaching, correction, or advice. Beyond that, this idea that I know better than God is flat offensive.
DISMISSIVE
Isn’t it funny that Naaman was insulted by the simple request to wash in the river Jordan? His long travels, his money, his gifts, and his influence with the king were meant to buy his healing. Yet Elisha waited for none of that: he delivered God’s prescription and that was all. This infuriated Naaman, and he went off on a tear, dismissing the advice and insulting the Jordan River (which is both brown and dirty and the site of several Old and New Testament miracles).
Have you ever done this? Been offended by the very thing that will give you relief in that conflict situation? Been insulted that someone asked you to make the first move? Been hurt that someone suggested you might need the prayers of others?
KNOWING BETTER
There are so many areas where I am not an expert. I do not know better than a local where the best food in town is served. I don’t know what is going on in others' lives nor what God is saying to them. My advice can be so wrong, if I am not hearing the Spirit’s words. Most importantly, I do not know better than God in any situation I am dealing with right now: my workload, my relationships, my financial planning, my health, or my happiness. It is crucial that I learn to turn to and trust Him.
The God of the universe loves me. He knows me and calls me His own. When He speaks, I need to listen and heed His directions to me. This is a daily struggle and a daily joy. I hope you will join in this discipline with me.
Make It Personal: Evaluate yourself and your typical responses: do you listen to advice or criticism with an open mind? Are you defensive, even before the motive and the heart of the message can be discovered? Remember that Jesus knows you...really knows you! He knows your hurts, your fears, your flaws, and your strengths. He has the answers you need and the healing you crave. He is the right answer, even if it seems “cute” and simplistic to just turn to Him and trust Him.
Pray: Father, You know my pride and self-sufficiency. I do so hate to be wrong or to need help. I hate to be told what to do. Help me to be humble, teachable, and open. Help me to hear Your whisper, even if it comes from an unlikely source. Help me not be dismissive of Your words to me. Lord, give me the self-control I need to let go of “my way” and walk with You, led by Your Spirit. Do whatever You must to break the stubbornness in my heart so that I am easily led and submissive to Your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: John 1:45-47; Mark 6:2-4; Isaiah 43:1-2, 4
Weekly Memory Verse: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7, ESV